“As we look to the future, the only real solution is a two-state solution.”
President Joe Biden — State of the Union Address
My Heart Is Heavy
My name is Fawzi Guleid. I am a Muslim by birth and an American by choice. I am emotionally drained and physically exhausted. A sense of grief and helplessness took over me. Please bear with me and join me in my daily cocktail of prayers, anger, despair, trepidation, futility, hope, and excitement.
As a Muslim, my heart wrenches in solidarity with my Palestinian brethren, who are enduring the agony of dehumanization and trauma and are left to perish of starvation. I am angry; no, I am furious towards those who justify the slaughtering and starving infants as an acceptable “collateral damage.” The mere mention of collateral damage and 'soft targets' disgusts me.
I recoil and weep whenever I hear “Gaza.” I apologize for my weakness and helplessness to the Children of Gaza. What kind of Muslim am I, indeed, if I cannot even provide baby formula to starving infants? How can I be expected to engage in the political process and vote when 2,000-ton bombs rain on a tiny child sleeping in her bed; when over 13,000 children have been massacred before the eyes of the world? Why should I vote for Biden and the Democrats?
As an American, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. In my Islamic faith, invoking a solemn oath (Qasam) means calling upon Allah as a witness and being answerable to Him. As a believer, I recognize the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership. It is with this sacred commitment in mind that I will vote for President Biden.
The other Guy poses an unprecedented threat to the very foundations of our Constitution. From his first day in office, he has made clear his intention to be a dictator and dismantle our democratic principles, and vowed to terminate the Constitution. This cannot be right or tolerated. Furthermore, to him, I and my ilk are animals from “shithole countries” that should not be allowed to enter the country or forced to a registry.
A Bunch of Malarkey
But how can you talk about an oath and its solemnity when the sanctity of innocent lives, children's lives are at stake? That is a "bunch of malarkey," as President Biden may say. It is not a genuine faith to elevate an oath above the inhumane treatment of infants in Gaza. The life sanctity should prevail over an oath that the presumptive MAGA candidate has reneged.
How do I convince myself that the man who is renowned for his empathy refuses to show any inclination of humanity towards the malnourished children of Gaza? Who cares if he is better than the other Guy? Are you blind and deaf? What is wrong with you? President Biden is the one who ordered defunding UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which was the only agency capable of saving the Gaza population from slow death.
I must remind myself: "Do not spoil your fasting! Remember, it is Ramadan, the best of the months." In these moments of despair and anguish for the plight of Gaza and its children, I seek refuge in Allah from the whispers of the accursed Satan. Trust in Allah, I told myself, He knows the best, even when it seems bleak. I remind myself not to despair but to be patient a bit longer. As the Quran reminds us, "“Perhaps, you like something which is bad for you (2:216)”. Allah will find a way for Gaza and its children. In this blessed month, I find solace in the belief that Allah's Mercy and Justice will prevail, and I continue to pray for relief and peace for all those suffering.
Listen, I know that the approximately 13,000 children who were mercilessly slaughtered are now in a better place with their Creator. But my heart aches with anger and frustration knowing that the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of children, babies that could be saved tonight will perish needlessly. Witnessing the lack of urgency from those with the power to intervene is infuriating.
In this moment, as I grapple with conflicting emotions, I am asked to exercise patience. You are asking me to be patient at a time when Biden approved thousands of dump bombs. The War Cabinet set a date to flatten Rafah and waiting the shipments to kill more children. A New Jersey Representative is seeking to codify defunding UNRWA, thus condemning the entire population to starvation.
I strive to uphold the principles of being a good Muslim, recognizing that Allah's will is paramount. Yet, as a human being, I cannot ignore the overwhelming suffering and injustice surrounding us. This is pure evil incarnate, a reality that cannot be sugar-coated or tolerated. I question what good could emerge from such horrible, unbearable misery.
The Good is here now
I would love an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a fully funded UNRWA flooding Gaza with lifesaving humanitarian aid, safe and protected corridors for aid workers, a halt of all military assistance to the current Israeli government, and the release of all hostages and prisoners. I want the President of the United States to show some compassion towards the Palestinian people as the outrage he expressed over the slain World Central Kitchen workers. May their death not be in vain.
In a startling and somber speech, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the United States and a steadfast advocate for Israel, delivered an unexpected call for an end to the 75-year cycle of violence and devastation between Israelis and Palestinians. This unexpected stance from a figure with such deep ties to Israel comes as a surprise, challenging the status quo and potentially signaling a shift in the political landscape. As I absorb this surprising turn of events; I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope flicker within me.
Amidst the darkness of conflict and despair, there lies an opportunity for meaningful change. Senator Schumer's call for an end to the cycle of death and destruction suggests that there may be avenues for reconciliation and peace that were previously unexplored. This unforeseen development serves as a reminder not to succumb to despair, even in the face of insurmountable challenges. Despite the complexities of the situation, there is always the possibility for progress and resolution.
But, but, but… How would that be possible? Netanyahu will not agree. Hamas will not accept. The other players will work hard to sabotage it. The other Guy says: “finish it up and do it quickly.” And his minion, a Michigan congressperson calls for Nuking Gaza. And the other Guy’s son-in-law is already designing brochures for Gaza beachfront properties. Israeli officials told us the truth of their intentions about Gaza (LaFeminista, Daily Kos). So, do not believe what others say. It is a pipe dream; a politician’s talk.
I am fed up with your negativity, I will scold myself. For once, sit up and think straight. Schumer has heard from his constituency and does not need to gaslight you.
But how?
Israel–Hamas War
This ubiquitous headline equates Hamas and Israel as two belligerent factions. It exposes the patronage relationship between Hamas and Netanyahu. The way they propped each other up for decades. Since 2005, successive Israeli governments tacitly recognized Hamas as the de facto government in Gaza. Hamas knows it cannot drive all “Jews” to the sea. Netanyahu also knows he cannot destroy every potential Hamas recruit fetus in his mother’s womb.
Senator Schumer outlined four obstacles to lasting peace that could end the suffering of the Israelis and Palestinians, namely Netanyahu and Hamas, and those who tolerate their evil partnership. This is easier said than done. How and who do you propose to rein them in? They needed each other for political and personal survival. They will not give up but fight tooth and nail to stay relevant. Don't you know that Netanyahu has already bombarded the Iranian embassy in Syria? No siree, these obstacles will remain and metastasize.
We are all in the right to question the vanishing hope, and I appreciate the reminder to center myself and recall Allah's promise that surely with hardship comes ease (Quran 94:5). Pausing, taking a deep breath, counting to ten, and regaining perspective is helpful, but one must think big and bold to find a lasting solution.
Never crucify yourself on a small cross
President Biden always relates his father's warning about losing sight of the forest for the trees. My above wish list is insignificant compared to what Senator Schumer envisioned. An immediate permanent ceasefire and lifesaving efforts are undoubtedly the priority. It is a human imperative to reunite all hostages and prisoners from both sides with their loved ones. Advocating otherwise is a colossal failure of humanity. But it is already six months, over 180 days, and nothing has given way.
The world seems trapped in a whirlpool, clouding clear thinking. President Biden, your father's advice holds true: Do not sacrifice yourself on a minor issue. Over the past 180 days, the talks and the proposed negotiation framework represent threat to the interests of Netanyahu and Hamas. A ceasefire and hostage release would disarm and defang them. They will not agree to it. They do not care about hostages or children.This is not hyperbolic, as Biden may say.
Hostage Crisis
Netanyahu and Hamas know that President Biden is in between a rock and a hard place. They think that dragging their feet will doom his quest for a second term. The anti-democracy forces are united to defeat President Biden in order to destroy America. The other Guy is encouraging them to resist. He is sending his saboteurs into the region to frustrate the administration’s foreign policy. He is calling around his comrades, and he is collecting untold sums of cash at his Doral resort.
Do all these sounds familiar? Think back to 1979-80, the American embassy hostage crisis in Iran. My favorite President Jimmy Carter found himself in a similar predicament, too. It was also an election season and his opponent played dirty tricks. They send saboteurs to secretly block the release of the hostages until after the elections. They succeeded because they wanted to give President Carter a payback for his Camp David Accords’ success. But this time defeating President Biden will enable them to destroy America and its Idea. They should not be allowed to succeed.
Camp David Magic
Forty-five years ago, in September 1978, President Carter orchestrated an extraordinary gathering, hosting the leaders of Egypt and Israel. Over two intense weeks, Mr. Carter skillfully navigated the negotiations, coaxing, pushing, and even entertaining two initially reluctant and stubborn statesmen. Against the backdrop of the Cold War's hostile environment and defying the 1967 Khartoum Three No’s Resolution: No peace, No negotiations, and No recognition of Israel, the three leaders achieved the seemingly impossible: lasting peace.
Within two years, President Carter faced defeat in his reelection bid, and tragically, a year after that, President Sadat lost his life. In 2020, President Clinton revitalized the Camp David Accords, convening Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak for renewed discussions. However, a solution to the Israel-Palestinian dilemma remains elusive.
Today, the geopolitical landscape has evolved.The Soviets are no more, and most viable Arab countries have recognized and engage in negotiations with Israel. The United States maintains its status as the world’s superpower. However, anti- democracy and despotic actors remain determined to undermine America's standing. They perceive President Biden as avulnerable obstacle in their path.
I just watched an episode of Roadrunner and Coyote animation.
President Biden can and should demonstrate his astuteness and agility, and show who is the dumb Coyote always miscalculating. I say, summon the Israeli and relevent Arab leaders to Camp David. Keep them together until they agree to an implementable two state solution. The survival of the United States is on the line.
Mr. President: if not you, who? If not now, when?
Mr. President, the question beckons: if not you, then who? If not now, when? Your call for a two-state solution in the State of the Union address, echoed by Senator Schumer and elaborated on by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, underscores the urgency of the matter.
The United States continues to believe that the best viable path, indeed the only path, is through a two-state solution. That’s the only guarantor of a secure Jewish and democratic Israel; the only guarantor of Palestinians realizing their legitimate right to live in a state of their own, enjoying equal measures of security, freedom, opportunity and dignity; the only way to end a cycle of violence once and for all. And it’s precisely now, in the darkest moments, that we have to fight hardest to preserve a path of stability, of security, of opportunity, of integration, of prosperity and of peace. Not tomorrow, not after the war, but today. Thank you.
If not for the sake of the innocent Palestinian children, then do it for the sake of the United States itself.
As Ramadan draws to a close today and Eid, the day of the feast, dawns tomorrow, my prayer is that Allah protects the Palestinian children and the United States of America.